cathedral

1 of 2

adjective

ca·​the·​dral kə-ˈthē-drəl 

1

: of, relating to, or containing a cathedra

2

: emanating from a chair of authority

3

: suggestive of a cathedral

a cathedral grove of redwoods

cathedral

2 of 2

noun

1

: a church that is the official seat of a diocesan bishop

2

: something that resembles or suggests a cathedral (as in size or importance)

a cathedral of business

the sports cathedral

Illustration of cathedral

• cathedral 1

Synonyms of cathedral

Noun

• tower
• palace
• edifice

Examples of cathedral in a Sentence

Noun

the company didn't want just a new office building—it demanded a cathedral that proclaimed its place among the giants of finance

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Inside the home, cathedral-height ceilings and generous windows make the open-concept living area feel surprisingly airy and bright. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026

Inspired by cathedral shadows and dramatic archways, the design delivers a striking sense of depth and decorative richness. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 Sep. 2026

Noun

Over roughly 45 minutes, the Luminiscence performance takes attendees back in time before Sacramento was founded, sailing through the city’s early days and the building of the cathedral in three musical acts. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Originally built as a basilica, but turned into a mosque in 786 was, before being transformed again in 1236, this time into a cathedral. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cathedral

• cathedral ceiling

Rhymes for cathedral

• anhedral
• dihedral
• euhedral
• subhedral
• icosahedral
• octahedral
• polyhedral
• rhombohedral
• tetrahedral

Kids Definition

cathedral

noun

ca·​the·​dral

kə-ˈthē-drəl

: the principal church of a district headed by a bishop